Meninga urges young Maroons props to rise

Ian McCullough

Mal Meninga has challenged young props Martin Kennedy and Josh McGuire to prove they're good enough to replace Petero Civoniceva in the Queensland State of Origin front-row this year.

Civoniceva ended his glittering Origin career with a seventh successive series win last year, and his exit creates a rare opportunity for a new face to pack down against the Blues in this year's opener in Sydney in May.

Meninga admits the loss of Civoniceva, whose 33 appearances are an Origin record for a prop, will be felt on and off the field by the Maroons.

"It's a huge loss. The other players looked up to him - he was a father figure to many of them," Meninga told AAP on Thursday.

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"He was not only a great ambassador for the game, but he brought on players like Matty Scott, Dave Shillington and Sam Thaiday and helped them become the players they are now."

Sydney Roosters' Kennedy, 23, and Brisbane's McGuire, 22, are two of the main contenders to succeed Civoniceva.

The pair were part of the emerging Maroons camp Meninga assembled earlier this month and the record-breaking coach said they are an example of the state's strength and depth.

"Josh and Marty Kennedy are good young players and have a chance now and it's up to them," he said.

"We also still have Benny Hannant who was very good for us last year.

"It's a healthy situation. You never know in this game when someone may get an injury. That's what these camps are for.

"It's about educating them so when they do come into (Origin) camp, it's a bit easier for them."

One player who is also knocking on the door is Ben Barba.

Despite being the stand-out player in the NRL for Canterbury last year, the Dally M Medallist was still unable to break into the Maroons side.

Meninga admits the brilliant fullback was considered for selection for the series decider in Brisbane in July when Billy Slater was forced out through injury, but it was too big a risk to blood him into such a huge game.

"Benny was pretty close, we had to make a few decisions in the deciding game and we had to look at experience," he said.

"I didn't want to throw a player with a lack of experience into a game of that magnitude.

"It's up to Ben now to reach the heights of last year. I say to all the players 'your form dictates the pressure you put on us around the selection table'."

Meninga has seen off Graham Murray, Craig Bellamy and Ricky Stuart and will come up against another of his former Canberra teammates Laurie Daley who is the latest coach handed the task of halting the Queensland juggernaut.

The pair are good friends, but Meninga warns it would be a huge mistake to underestimate the mild-mannered Daley.

"I don't think Laurie is less intense than Ricky," he said.

"He may not show it from an emotional point of view publicly, but I've seen him in dressing rooms, and he is a man that wants to win."